Introduction
Vericiguat is an orally administered and once daily investigational soluble guanylate cyclase activator developed by Merck and Co. It is being studied as a potential therapy for patients with Treatment Refractory Chronic Heart Failure (TRCHF). It works by increasing levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) to promote relaxation of arteries, reduce cardiac workload, and improve blood circulation to the heart.
Uses for Vericiguat
Vericiguat is being investigated for the reduction in the need for hospitalization and risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with TRCHF.
| Brand Name | Vericiguat |
|---|---|
| Type | |
| Weight | |
| Generic | Vericiguat |
| Manufacturer | |
| Available in | English বাংলা |
Mechanism of Action
Vericiguat binds to and activates soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), an enzyme in the endothelial lining of arteries. Activation of sGC increases the production of the cellular messenger cGMP, which in turn causes arterial smooth muscle relaxation, reducing cardiac workload and improving blood flow to the heart.
How Long Does it Take to Work?
The onset of action of Vericiguat is expected to be rapid and within one hour of starting treatment. Its therapeutic effects are expected to be maximal at four to six hours after administration.
Absorption
Vericiguat is rapidly absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations observed 1-2 hours post-dose.
Route of Elimination
Vericiguat is primarily eliminated from the body via metabolism, with approximately 70% of a dose excreted in the urine.
Dosage
Recommended Starting Dose: The recommended starting dose of Vericiguat is 2.5 mg orally once daily with food. Double the dose of Vericiguat approximately every 2 weeks to reach the target maintenance dose of 10 mg once daily, as tolerated by the patient. For patients who are unable to swallow whole tablet, Vericiguat may be crushed and mixed with water immediately before administration or as directed by physician.Geriatric Patients: No dosage adjustment of Vericiguat is required in geriatric patients. No overall differences in safety or efficacy of Vericiguat were observed between patients aged 65 years and older compared to younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.
Hepatic Impairment: No dosage adjustment of Vericiguat is recommended in patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment.
Renal Impairment: No dosage adjustment of Vericiguat is recommended in patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥15 mL/min/1.73m2 who are not on dialysis. Vericiguat has not been studied in patients with eGFR <15 mL/min/1.73m2 at treatment initiation or on dialysis.
Use in Children & Adolescents: Safety and effectiveness of Vericiguat have not been established in pediatric patients.
The recommended starting dose of Vericiguat is 0.5 mg once daily. The maintenance dose is 2 mg once daily. The maximum recommended dose is 2.5 mg once daily.
Administration
Vericiguat is an oral tablet to be taken in the morning, with or without meals.
Side Effects
The most common side effects associated with Vericiguat are diastolic hypotension, dizziness, headache, thigh pain, and nausea. These effects are usually mild and transient and can usually be managed with dose adjustments.
Toxicity
No data is available on the toxicity of Vericiguat .
Precautions
Vericiguat should not be used in patients with significant renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min). Caution should be exercised when administering the drug to patients who are already taking medications that reduce blood pressure.
Interaction
Vericiguat may interact with certain drugs, including ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, diuretics, calcium channel blockers, β-blockers, and nitrates. It is important to tell your doctor about all medications that you are currently taking before taking Vericiguat .
Disease Interaction
Vericiguat may interact with certain medical conditions, including, but not limited to, hypotension, severe bradycardia, worsening renal function, and severe congestive heart failure. Tell your doctor if you have any of the above conditions or if you are prescribed medications that may interact with them.
Drug Interaction
Vericiguat may interact with certain drugs, including ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, diuretics, calcium channel blockers, β-blockers, and nitrates. It is important to tell your doctor about all medications that you are currently taking before taking Vericiguat .
Food Interactions
Vericiguat can be taken with or without food. No food effects have been observed.
Pregnancy Use
Vericiguat is not recommended for use in pregnant women. Animal studies have shown that the drug is associated with adverse fetal outcomes when given in high doses.
Lactation Use
It is not known if Vericiguat passes into breast milk. Therefore, its use is not recommended in lactating women.
Acute Overdose
There is no known antidote for an acute overdose of Vericiguat . Treatment should be symptomatic and supportive.
Contraindication
Vericiguat is contraindicated in patients who are pregnant, or are hypersensitive to any of its components.
Use Direction
Vericiguat should be taken in the morning with or without food. It is important to take the drug exactly as prescribed by your doctor, and to not exceed the recommended dose.
Storage Condition
Vericiguat tablets should be stored in a cool, dry place away from light and heat.
Volume of Distribution
The volume of distribution of Vericiguat is approximated to be 185 L.
Half Life
The half life of Vericiguat is estimated to be 3.5 hours.
Clearance
The clearance of Vericiguat is estimated to be 56 L/hr.
See in details version Vericiguat also Vericiguat in bangla
